Variety: Chardonnay

The “Gang of Four” is a nickname lovingly bestowed on the most noteworthy winemakers who make Cru Beaujolais. Kermit Lynch christened the name to Jean Foillard, Marcel Lapierre, Jean-Paul Thévenet, and Guy Breton. The significance of this nickname lies far beyond their talents. Before natural wine made its resurgence in the area, Beaujolais Nouveau was the popular choice for years, hitting the tables of many Americans’ Thanksgiving tables every November. Enter Kermit Lynch—he began to import the crus made by the Gang in the 90s. Jean-Paul Thevenet played a major role in returning Beaujolais to its roots by starting with old vines, eliminating synthetic herbicides or pesticides, harvesting late, rigorously sorting for the healthiest grapes, and minimal doses of sulfur or none at all.

This label is separate from father Jean-Paul’s original Morgon project; instead father and son Charly collaborate for this label based out of the neighboring village of Regnie. While they have the same approach in the vineyards and cellar, the outcome is noticeably different. The Morgon wines are rich and plush while the Regnie is spiced and textured.

While Beaujolais is known for its red wine, it also produces quite a bit of Chardonnay, aka known as Beaujolais Blanc. While the name of this wine deceives us into thinking it’s a red wine, “terrain rouge” refers to the red earth of clay and limestone under the vines. The wine ages in both tank and small demi-muid barrels.